Watson ends 2015 on a high

Bubba Watson rounded off the year with a win as he stormed to a three-shot triumph at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

The two-time Masters champion had started the day two clear of Englishman Paul Casey at the head of the leaderboard and never relinquished his grip on top spot, posting back-to-back birdies from the second.

The 37-year-old picked up further shots at the sixth and seventh before moving five clear of the chasing pack with three more birdies at the 10th, 11th and 14th.

Watson then produced his only bogey of the day at the final hole but it was not enough to deny him victory in the season-ending event as he carded a final round off 66 to finish on 25-under for the tournament.

“The key for me was about staying focused and staying committed to my shots,” Watson said. “Even though I was struggling a little bit I was still in it. I tried to play as safe as I could after I got in trouble and I made the putts.”

Watson, who had only taken up the chance to play in the exclusive 18-man tournament after Jason Day withdrew earlier in the week, was never seriously challenged as final round partner Casey slipped back into the pack.

Patrick Reed finished in second to enhance his chances of moving in to the world’s top 10, one shot ahead of fellow American Rickie Fowler.

For the second day running the course record at the Albany Golf Club was broken as Justin Rose carded a bogey-free round of 62 to finish on 13-under.

Tagged Bubba Watson, Hero World Challenge